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New Year Sipping

Welcome to the first 2012 edition of Team Daily Sip's best wines of the month. Between New Year's Eve, our three Around Australia in 80 Sips events, and the Union de Grand Crus tasting in NYC, January delivered ample opportunity to imbibe some tasty vinos.

We kept our wits about us, however, and once again we bring you a list of the best wines that crossed our lips in the past 30 days. As usual, there's a wide range of styles and price points, and we hope your month was as mixed and mouth-watering as ours was.

AbigailRoth Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Alexander Valley, California 2009 ($16) After an explosive, history-making day in baseball, the day Albert Pujols signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for a 10-year, $254 million contract, a glass of wine was in order. A family friend and I toasted to this momentous occasion and I distinctly remember how this wine was refreshing and drinkable. Not only is this sauvignon blanc affordable, it has grass and herb aromas with citrus flavors that make it sip-worthy on its own or delightful with food. Find it here.

Alyssa Torbreck "The Steading", Barossa Valley, Australia 2007 ($36) The GSM's (grenache, syrah, mourvedre) that we featured at the Around Australia in 80 Sips event series this month were some of my favorites- particularly this one by Torbreck. This blend has spice and dimension without being jammy or overpowering. Rhône lovers will definitely like this wine. Find it here.

AndyFRV100 "Terres Dorées" Jean-Paul Brun, Beajolais, France NV ($20). I had this sparkling rosé made from gamay with my dessert at the newly opened AQ in San Francisco. Gentlemen take note: This is a perfect Valentine’s Day wine. With its slight sweetness and raspberry and strawberry notes, it works nicely on its own as an aperitif, or will pair perfectly with any chocolate dessert. If you say the singular letters and the number 100 (cent) with a French accent, you get "Effervescent." Find it here.

LetaTerenzuola Vermentino Nero, Tuscany, Italy 2008 ($17). I had no idea that vermentino was produced as both a white AND red wine! This was such a surprising treat to discover on a balmy winter night in NYC after a long day of flying across the country. I sipped this wine with my best friend and renowned choreographer, Christopher Liddell, at the bar of a cozy Italian restaurant in SoHo. It was plush, elegant, and easy like Sunday morning. Find the wine here.

Michelle Brokenwood Semillon, Hunter Valley, Australia 2010 ($20). I had the pleasure of being exposed to this wine during our event series: Around Australia in 80 Sips. My first event was in LA and every part of it was delicious! After running around getting ready for our events throughout the month of January, this was the wine I had to taste first. It was not too sweet, not too tart, and oh so smooth. Australia hit it out of the park with this one. Find the wine here.

What was your favorite wine this past month? Tell us what about it below.